Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Smoked turkey, sharp cheddar, and cranberry spread melted between golden toasted bread slices.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sandwich

01 - 4 slices hearty sandwich bread, sourdough or whole wheat
02 - 4 oz smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced
03 - 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded

→ Cranberry Spread

04 - 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce, whole berry or jellied
05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ For Grilling

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, mixing thoroughly until evenly blended.
02 - Lay out all bread slices and spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice. Place buttered sides down on work surface.
03 - Spread cranberry mixture evenly on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Layer smoked turkey and cheddar cheese on top of the cranberry spread.
05 - Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly preheated.
07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted completely.
08 - Remove sandwiches from pan and let rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner and squeezes them into a crispy, melty sandwich you can make any time of year.
  • The cranberry and mustard spread adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and turkey beautifully.
  • You probably already have most of these ingredients after any holiday meal, and it comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • It's comforting without being heavy, and feels special enough to serve to guests but easy enough for a solo Tuesday lunch.
02 -
  • Don't crank the heat up too high or you'll end up with burnt bread and cold cheese in the middle, medium heat is your friend here.
  • Softening the butter before spreading makes a huge difference because it won't tear your bread and it toasts more evenly.
  • If your skillet isn't big enough for both sandwiches, cook them one at a time and keep the first one warm in a low oven.
03 -
  • Press down gently with your spatula while the sandwich cooks to help the cheese melt faster and get better contact with the pan for even browning.
  • If you want an extra crispy exterior, add a tiny bit more butter to the pan right before you flip the sandwich.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking so the cheese firms up just enough that it doesn't all spill out when you cut into it.
Go back